By: Donovan W. Mann – donovanm@977thebolt.com
Humboldt, IA – Being aware and looking ahead is key to assuring a controlled fire of any kind does not become a problem.
In the past month the Humboldt County area fire departments have been called upon to put out fires that have gotten out of control. On Saturday, May 1, the Humboldt fire department reportedly spent about seven hours putting out two fires with the help of other community departments.
Humboldt Fire Chief Jim Gronbach says an easy way to avoid losing control of a controlled fire of any kind is to be aware of conditions before ignition. The main thing people should look at are wind conditions, direction of the wind and the level of moisture in the surrounding area.
“If it’s green, it’s fine, but if it’s got some dry areas around it from grass, weeds, whatever, not getting the moisture it’s not advisable to burn or have a recreational fire,” the fire chief says.
It is important to take in consideration of the forecast conditions for burns that are expected to last for an extended period of time. “And that’s the biggest thing, is not just the immediate wind at that time, look at the forecast and see what the wind is going to do in the next hour or two if it’s going to be an extended burn.”
Calm conditions at the time of ignition do not mean calm throughout the course of a burn. If winds are expected to pick up at any point during the burn Chief Gronbach says it is “not advisable to light the fire then.”
Whenever someone plans to start a fire they should always practice common sense. A water source or fire extinguisher should always be at the ready. Things that could easily catch fire like dried grass should also be kept away.
“Just, kind of using common sense is how we approach it,” the fire chief says.
As previously reported, whenever anyone is about to commit a controlled burn they are asked to call the Law Enforcement Center. This is so the authorities are aware in case calls come in about large amounts of smoke or fires. Chief Gronbach says that if the LEC is not informed and a call comes in, the fire departments will put out any unattended fires.
The LEC can be reached by calling (515)332-2471.